With 26 bones in each foot, our feet play a large part in our everyday activities. Therefore, it’s important to take care of our feet to prevent conditions such as arthritis or other ailments. The Huffington Post recommends some particular tips in ensuring proper foot care. These include wearing properly-fitting shoes that do not squeeze our feet and that accommodate your specific foot structure. If you have balance problems, going barefoot may help with stimulation of your foot structure. Walking on different surfaces and take note of your own gait. Always consult with your podiatrist if you have any concerns.

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. After all, without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks. It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before, for example.

For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops.

Also, wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in the Tampa Bay area. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Taking care of your feet means choosing the right shoes. Awareness of your feet’s comfort is vital to understanding what type of shoes you should buy. Avoid shoes such as heels and flats, which offer minimal shock absorption due to a lack of solid foundation. This may lead to potential heel pain from the repetitive stress. Avoid heels that are higher than two inches. If possible, choose wedges as they help distribute weight more evenly and stabilize the feet. Choose quality leather that is not stiff, as your feet are prone to developing bunions in shoes that are too tight. As you age, your feet can change over time, so it’s important to take this into consideration when shoe shopping.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Ankle and Foot Center of Tampa Bay. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away

Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes

Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have

Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in the Tampa Bay area. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis occurs when there is a strain or rupture of the long ligament that runs along the arch from the heel to the toe. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. Symptoms can occur both after exercise and any time during daily activities. Wearing shoes that do not fit properly and exercising on hard surfaces such as turf or concrete may contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis. It can also be caused by a sudden increase in training intensity.

· Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis

· Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in the Tampa Bay area. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is a rare condition that occurs when the nerve that passes through the leg into the foot becomes compressed. This condition affects people of all ages, however there are some risk factors. A few of the risk factors for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome are: having a high foot arch, wearing unsuitable footwear, being overweight, and having arthritis. Those with the condition may experience tingling or numbness in the foot, and a burning sensation in the ankle.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome -Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee. -Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome. -At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome -Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg. -The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult. -If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in the Tampa Bay area. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.